California passes aggressive renewable energy standard

Earlier today, the California Assembly passed a bill that would oblige state utilities to get a third of their energy from renewable sources by 2020. It is one of the most aggressive standards in the world.

Courtesy BrightSource Energy

The Senate passed the legislation in February, and Governor Brown is expected to sign the bill.

How big a deal is it? Well, according to Peter Miller, a senior scientist at NRDC, “As a result of the RPS program, renewable energy generation in California in 2020 will be roughly equal to total current U.S. renewable generation, and supply enough clean energy to power nearly 9 million homes” or, according to the Union of Concerned Scientists, drive 3 million cars.

Supporters say the aggressive standard could generate roughly 500,000 new green collar jobs in the next several decades.

UCS energy analyst Laura Wisland took the opportunity to remind nudge the federal government to boost clean energy.

“Once again, California has demonstrated national leadership in advancing clean energy,” she said. “Now it’s Congress’s turn to act.” A February Gallup poll found that 83 percent of Americans favor Congress passing a bill that would provide incentives for renewable energy.